Daily life of Rome’s Entertainment

The Romans developed many forms of entertainment. The most popular forms of entertainment in the Roman Empire entertainment were Chariot racing in the Circus Maximus, Gladiators and mock naval battles in the Colloseum, Public baths, and Drama in the Theater.

Rome’s Entertainment Details

In addition to gladiator fights Romans also liked chariot-racing. Chariot races were the most popular entertainment in Rome. The Chariot races were held in a huge four-sided area which was called Circus. The Circus Maximus in Rome seated more than 150,000 spectators. There were many other arenas in Rome and other provinces. During the Chariot races, Men went to the races and bet on which horses would win. OPEN_THIS.jpg

The amphitheater was the location of much of the other entertainment in Rome. Gladiators fought in these amphitheaters. Gladiators fought each other or wild beasts. Sometime the Romans would throw Christians and condemned criminals to wild animals. In preparation for mock battles to take place, the Romans flooded the arena. These mock navy battles were called naumachina. The Colosseum was the most famous amphitheater. COLLOSEUM.gif

The people of Rome spent a lot of their time at public baths. These large place often had pools and cold and hot baths, art galleries, gymnasiums, and libraries. Other activities included hunting and fishing, games similar to backgammon and checkers, and variety of shows with acrobats, magicians, and dancers.

The Romans often attended the theater, where they watched Rome and Greek Plays. But they loved spectacle, and preferred the mimus, a form of low farce, and pantomimus, masked dancing.

Bibliography
· ?????,?????. "Roman Empire.” The World Book Encyclopedia. Q-R Volume 15. Illinois: Chicago, 1962.
o http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/romans/architecture/colosseum.ht
· http://www.pbs.org/empires/romans/empire/baths.html
o http://www.pbs.org/empires/romans/empire/chariot.html
· http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/romans/games/circus2.htm
o http://www.pbs.org/empires/romans/empire/gladiators.html